Starbucks unveils fall favorites
There are three telltale signs that autumn has begun: a crisp breeze that sweeps through the air, the cozy warmth of your favorite sweater against your skin and the return of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Each season, Starbucks creates a lineup of beverages that customers anticipate, but there’s something truly special about the fall menu. This year, Starbucks added a diverse array of seasonal drinks to its menu.
Here are some highlights from the menu Starbucks is offering this season.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Autumn would not be the same without the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. According to Starbucks, this beverage has been one of Starbucks’ most popular offerings since the drink’s inception in 2003. After the success of the Peppermint Mocha, the global coffeehouse chain sought to concoct a standout fall drink. So a team of coffee researchers from Starbucks created numerous flavors and settled on pumpkin, creating a recipe that blended espresso with pumpkin spice sauce and milk. They went on to name this concoction the “Pumpkin Spice Latte.”
The drink was tested in select stores and quickly gained popularity because of its cultural impact. For 21 years, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has evolved and expanded into new variations. With its orange hue and flavor combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, the beloved drink invokes a sense of nostalgia at first sip. Customers can order the beverage hot, iced or as a Frappuccino. Happy “PSL Season!”
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
For cold-brew lovers or loyal cold-coffee drinkers, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is an excellent choice. The drink blends cold brew and vanilla syrup and is topped off with a velvety pumpkin cream cold foam and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. This beverage is ideal for when autumn temperatures haven’t fully arrived yet but you’re already longing for fall and all its feels.
“My favorite fall drink is the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew,” junior Kali Patrick said. “I like how it’s not too sweet and you can actually taste the coffee. It has a subtle pumpkin flavor from the cold foam, which makes it the perfect go-to fall drink.”
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai
Do you dislike coffee but love a good cup of chai? If so, then this beverage is a fitting choice for you. This customer favorite blends spiced chai with creamy pumpkin cream cold foam and a dash of pumpkin spice.
Caramel Apple Cream Latte
Imagine enjoying a caramel apple on a crisp autumn day at an annual fall festival. That’s what this is, but in coffee form. The latte, which is sold exclusively through the Starbucks app, features flavors of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar and is served with salted caramel cream cold foam.
Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato/Shaken Espresso
It’s apple season! Back by popular demand, these seasonal favorites have returned, allowing customers to enjoy either an apple-flavored macchiato or shaken espresso. The macchiato, which is served hot or iced, includes espresso with flavor notes of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar over oat milk and a spiced apple drizzle. For those who prefer cold beverages, the shaken espresso contains the same flavors stirred together and topped with oat milk.
Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai
For those who can’t have dairy but still want to enjoy what Starbucks has to offer this fall, this new beverage is an ideal choice. Combining chai spices, oat milk and nondairy apple crisp cold foam, this seasonal sip is reminiscent of a warm slice of apple pie.
Iced Honey Apple AlmondMilk Flat White
Customers who enjoy the simplicity of espresso, milk and fall flavors must try this drink. Sold exclusively through the Starbucks app, this beverage blends espresso, almond milk, honey and nondairy apple crisp cold foam. It’s a perfect cold autumn drink that encapsulates the tastes of the season.
As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change, the Starbucks lineup this autumn enables customers to embrace this special time of year.
Solem is the lifestyle editor for the Liberty Champion.